Judges threaten pen-down strike if security demands not met after attack on Rajshahi judge's home

The Bangladesh Judicial Service Association has issued a stern warning that judges across the country will observe a pen-down strike starting Sunday (16 November) if their two key demands, including ensuring security for judges, are not fulfilled within the next 48 hours.

The demand comes a day after the brutal attack on a judge's residence in Rajshahi which left his son dead and wife critically injured.

In a statement signed today (14 November) by BJSA President Md Amirul Islam and General Secretary Muhammad Mazharul Islam, the organisation demanded immediate deployment of adequate security personnel at all courts, judges' residences, and during their commutes.

The second demand calls for strict action against the police personnel involved in negligence regarding a Rajshahi judge's security and for unprofessionally presenting an arrested suspect before the media in violation of legal procedures.

The association expressed deep shock and outrage over the brutal killing of Tawsif Rahman Sumon, 18, son of Rajshahi Metropolitan Sessions Judge Mohammad Abdur Rahman, who was stabbed to death inside the judge's residence. The judge's wife, Tasmin Nahar, was critically injured in the same attack.

The statement noted that the judiciary is "stunned and speechless" at such a horrific incident carried out in broad daylight, and judges nationwide are furious over the security failure.

Despite repeated letters from the Supreme Court, the association said, the government has taken no visible measures to ensure security at court premises, courtrooms, judges' official residences, or their vehicles.

Many judges, especially at the district and magistracy levels, lack government housing and transport facilities, compelling them to live in unsecured rented homes and travel by rickshaw, van, or on foot, it added.

The association said judges bear some of the most important and high-risk responsibilities in the state, yet they and their families remain unprotected.

The organisation termed the Rajshahi tragedy a direct consequence of longstanding negligence and warned that "the state cannot avoid responsibility for this bloodshed."

The statement emphasised that unless immediate steps are taken to improve the work environment and ensure the safety of judges and their families, the nationwide pen strike will commence as announced.

The attack took place yesterday (13 November) at the Dabtola residence of Rajshahi Metropolitan Sessions Judge Abdur Rahman.

His son Tawsif Rahman Sumon, who was killed in the attack, was a class IX student. The judge's wife, Tasmin Nahar Lucy, was gravely injured in the attack.

Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mohammad Abu Sufian said the attacker, named Limon Mia, entered the judge's residence and attacked the family members indiscriminately around 3:30pm, leaving Tawsif dead on the spot and his mother critically injured.